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David Cameron was given ammunition for his fight to cut British funding for
migrants’ families living abroad after Angela Merkel’s party backed an
overhaul of the rules.

The prime minister put the issue of child benefits for EU migrants at the
centre of his plan to loosen the country’s relationship with Brussels.
Migrants claiming benefit for children living overseas costs Britain about
£30 million each year.

In a sign that the success of Eurosceptic parties in May’s EU election is
having an effect across the Continent, Mrs Merkel’s party endorsed proposals
yesterday that would see Germany cut its handouts dramatically.

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How much is child benefit?
Parents receive about £88 a month for their first child and £58 for every additional child.
Who can claim it?
EU citizens are allowed to claim child benefit for children living in the UK and in their home country. Since the beginning of this month, EU migrants need to prove that they have been in Britain for three months before claiming.
How much does benefit for children living overseas cost?
Figures released in May suggest that £30 million a year is paid out in child benefit for children living abroad. Poland is the most common destination.
Can the rules be changed?
EU treaties would have to be altered to change the rules on child benefit for children living abroad. David Cameron wants that to be done as part of renegotiation of Britain’s EU membership.